(AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

Italian fashion designer Donatella Versace was born on May 2, 1955. She is the force behind the iconic Versace high-fashion brand name.

Donatella Versace rose in the ranks of Versace after the untimely death of Gianni, her brother. Donatella is currently the Vice-President of the Versace Group.

The latest 2014 summer fashion collection from Donatella Versace combines a sophisticated styles along with street wear. The new look is described as “urban luxury” and was unveiled at a recent fashion show in the courtyard of the Versace palazzo in downtown Milan, Italy.

The new Versace collection offers a wide variety of looks for today’s active woman – denim jackets worn over a delicate floral sheath, or tough harness tops paired up with demure flared skirts, or a beautiful chiffon dress held together by fashionable metal hooks.

Donatella Versace has focused a lot of her efforts on the collection’s materials. The techno research first started by her late brother Gianni, is now one of the label’s trademarks. Gianni is known as the first Italian designer to use chain metal.

Donatella Versace was quoted, “When you talk about luxury everybody thinks of evening gowns, but it’s also about basic items like a pair of jeans, a shirt or a T-shirt.”

Also displayed down the runway were biker T-shirts and leather belts accompanied by a buckle in the shape of the Versace Medusa logo, heavy metal necklaces, and chain metal pouches and bandanas. In addition, the fashion line was paired with the latest designer Versace footwear, including a high-heeled platform sandal that was cleverly held together by elastic bands.

Enriched by delicate strands of silk, Donatella Versace designed a ballerina skirt that is made of raffia. The stylish skirt also appears throughout the fashion show as either a monochromatic or pastel print look. The skirt was paired with matching blouses or bra tops.

If you would like to attend a fashion show anywhere in the world, The Life of Luxury can provide access to every major high fashion show. Please contact us for the latest details.

LeBron James is arguably the best pro basketball player in the NBA today. Winner of back-to-back NBA Championships, LeBron can now add a new luxury watch to list of accomplishments – Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph LeBron James.

The new, limited edition luxury watch is from Audmars Piguet has a retail price of $51,500.

Luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet is proud to offer the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph LeBron James watch and having “King James” involved will definitely make it a hot commodity in the luxury watch industry.

The Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph LeBron James watch features a 44mm 18K pink gold case and titanium bezel.

The self-winding chronograph calibre 3126/3840 watch is stylish in its design and will make a perfect addition to anyone’s luxury watch collection.

Printed in blue on the sapphire crystal display back is the signature of LeBron James. The Audmars Piguet watch’s 365-part movement provides a long-lasting, 55-hour power reserve.

Under LeBron’s signature, you can see the 22 carat, oscillating weight. The watch has a hand-stitched, grey crocodile strap and includes an 18K pink gold pin buckle.

LeBron James continues to rack up awards in his successful basketball career. In July, he won three ESPY Awards that included male athlete of the year. Earlier this year, James won a second straight NBA championship with the Miami Heat.

Last year, he was also part of the U.S. Olympic gold medalist basketball team. LeBron James was voted NBA MVP in 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013. He was also awarded NBA Rookie of the Year in 2004.

You can purchase the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph LeBron James watch exclusively at either of the two Audemars Piguet boutiques in New York City and Bal Harbour.

If you are interested in purchasing the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph LeBron James watch or any other luxury watch, please contact The Life of Luxury.

Monika Chiang is a noted fashion designer and her first clothing collection debuted in the Fall of 2011.

Monika Chiang’s collection has grown ever since that initial launch and includes apparel, handbags, shoes and jewelry. Each piece has been carefully designed with a distinctly Monika Chiang perspective.

Her upcoming Fall 2013 apparel collection evokes modern glamour and combines it with an elegant nonchalance. Chiang truly appreciates quality craftsmanship and innovation and it shows in her luxury fashion line.

Monika Chiang was quoted, “The Monika Chiang collection is for the modern woman who is not afraid to take chances. She’s fashion-forward but doesn’t chase trends. She is a curator of sorts and shops for pieces that she knows will be a part of her wardrobe for years to come”, Monika explains.”

Her creative design evokes seemingly contradictory sensibilities combine in unexpectedly elegant ways – such as tough black leather paired with silks, plus sensual, sheer knits set against studs and zipper details. These are modern wardrobe classics designed to empower women to dress with confidence.

The Fall 2013 collection from Monika Chiang also includes a curated selection of handbags and jewelry that are both elevated and edgy. Prevalent crocodile leather clutches with sleek gold hardware, chic knuckle rings and unconventional statement necklace are also a direct reflection of Monika’s effortlessly cool style.

Prices for the Fall 2013 collection from fashion designer Monika Chiang ranges from $125 to $1,200 (apparel) and $65 – $595 (accessories)

The Tie Bar has become the go-to destination for stylish men’s furnishings Since its launch in 2004. This popular online neckwear company primarily offers neckties, tie bars and pocket accessories.

Tie Bar just announced a new partnership with professional NBA basketball player Dwyane Wade – a three-time champion (2006, 2012, 2013) of the Miami Heat.

Wade a style icon in his own right will design and provide creative inspiration for the limited edition tie collection that will launch in November 2013.

Dwyane Wade is the ideal choice as he’s been named among the best-dressed celebrities by various media outlets including GQ, Esquire, Vogue and The New York Times.

The new tie collection will feature approximately 30 bow ties, 15 neckties, 15 pocket squares and a limited assortment of tie bars and cufflinks. The goal of the new Tie Bar collection is to take a modern approach, in addition to paying homage to traditional menswear.

All neckwear products designed by Wade will have the label “Dwyane Wade for The Tie Bar” and also be part of “The Gentleman by Dwyane Wade.”

Anand Shah who is The Tie Bar CEO was quoted, “Partnering with Dwyane was a no-brainer for us. He is a trailblazer on and off the court; particularly in the
way he expresses style. We are excited to work with him and look forward to bringing his vision and creativity to our customers.”

Based in chicago, The Tie Bar has not only shifted the way men purchase their neckwear products by offering premium ties for $15, but has also cemented the benchmark for both style and design.

Dwyane Wade is not only a three-time champion and nine-time All-Star selection with the Miami HEAT, but a highly respected athlete known around the world.

Wade created the “Wade’s World Foundation” in 2004, which offers support to various educational, health and family service programs. In 2011, Dwayne Wade was proudly appointed to President Obama’s fatherhood task force.

The new Dwayne Wade and The Tie Bar collection will be available exclusively at The Tie Bar – http://www.thethebar.com/

If you are looking for that perfect gift, please contact one of our shopping concierge members at The Life of Luxury.

We had the honor of conducting a Kathy Hilton interview, who is married to Richard Hilton, a member of the Hilton Hotel family. Kathy is also the proud mother of four children, including daughters Paris Hilton and Nicky and two sons, Barron and Conrad.

Kathy Hilton personifies today’s modern businesswoman as a designer of her own clothing company, the Kathy Hilton Collection. This lifestyle mogul can literally “do it all.” As an active philanthropist, her efforts have been recognized for supporting Erase MS, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Kathy has lived a lifestyle of wealth and glamour and gained interest in the fashion industry by attending the most coveted fashion shows around the world. She’s very proud of her Kathy Hilton Collection, a line of exquisite evening wear for women of all ages. The clothing line mixes an element of Hilton’s high society at affordable prices, to the marketplace.

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Kathy, thanks for taking the time to talk to us this afternoon. Let’s start with a few questions about your family before we jump into your exciting, fashion clothing collection.

Question:
You’ve been married to your husband Rick Hilton for almost 34 years – what do you attribute the success of your longevity to ?

Answer:
We met while we were very young and started out in a small apartment in New York City. It’s important to do things on your own and grow close together. Give respect to one another and spend good, quality time with each other. While we lived in New York, we had the chance to do our own thing and it allowed us the freedom to find out about ourselves.

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Question:
For any newlyweds out there, what key advice can you give them ?

Answer:
Take care of your marriage and spouse. Surround yourselves with the right people and not those who could lead you down the wrong path. As a wife, I think it’s important to help clean the house, cook the meals, and always look your best.

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Question:
Are you a proud mom, seeing the business success of your two daughters – Paris and Nicky ?

Answer:
I’m very, very proud of both of them. Paris has her line of clothing, shoes, sunglasses, and is now on her 18th fragrance. Nicky moved back to New York and has her own line of clothes, is writing a new book on fashion, plus her jewelry. She’s been busy interviewing. I’m really very proud.

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Question:
I found it quite interesting that you are good friends with LaToya Jackson. How did that friendship develop ?

Answer:
Michael (Jackson) was one year ahead of me in school and we had three classes together. I became very close to him, then of course also become good friends with LaToya and their whole family since I was thirteen years old. It’s a friendship that has lasted all these years. We’re like family, and it’s very lovely.

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Question:
Let’s now talk about your exciting fashion clothing line – The Kathy Hilton Collection. What initially drove you to enter the fashion world ?

Answer:
Of course, it’s every little girl or woman’s dream to design a dress. Steve Lang, the owner of Mon Cheri came to me and asked if I’d do a dress line with them. Since I’m a lover of beautiful clothing and been lucky enough to wear those beautiful garments, it’s something I really wanted to do. We had a talk and I had only one condition – I want to be 100% hands on, not just a licensee. I’m a control freak and have to be involved with everything. We do about 125 dresses and at times, we have to edit out 20. Sometimes the ones we think are the best, don’t end up that way. We offer very timeless, beautiful dresses for special occasions. They are designed for women of all ages – me, my nieces who are in their teens & early twenties, to my daughters and sisters. They are for women who want to look beautiful and timeless, and wear season after season, without breaking the bank.

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Question:
What is the main inspiration behind your designs ?

Answer:
My inspirations are my travels and everything I do in my life. Everybody wants to feel the excitement of walking the red carpet and to look beautiful. I’m inspired by everything from jewelry, to being in a museum or walking in a garden. I was just in London and love flowers and all the colors. People too, not necessarily a Hollywood actor but someone who just walks into a restaurant, can inspire me. Also looking at a portrait in a museum. I love shopping in vintage places and get ideas from walking around or simply seeing a unique fabric in a Paris store.

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Question:
Who is your target customer ?

Answer:
For women who really want to look like a million dollars, but not spending a fortune. My woman is very confident and comfortable enough in her own skin to not have to wear a label because it’s one or two thousand dollars. Sixty percent of my dresses are short and forty percent are the long style. I’m in over 250 stores all over the world, including Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, which is very exciting to me.

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Question:
What do you feel makes your clothing line stand apart from the competition ?

Answer:
What I see today are dresses under $500-600 in clothing stores that all look like pageant dresses and look cheesy. I don’t see anything for a woman between 35 to 45 or 55 to 65. Mine are very beautiful and customers initially think they sell for $1,000 or $2,000 each. They look like they are part of a couture tour. When you walk into the department and see my dress next to others, mine stands out because it doesn’t have all that beading and frills all over the place. I pay attention to the details. You wear the dress, the dress doesn’t wear you. I think it’s fun to accessorize. You can dress my dresses down or you can dress them up. You can still wear a pair of nice earrings or a beautiful necklace with my clothes. What I feel is important is we use one of the top fit models in New York, which is very expensive. Our dresses are not just designed on a computer. We test drive every button and now use four different manufacturers and have learned what they each do well – one is better with beadings or lace, how it drapes on her body, etc…

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Question:
With the success of your fashion line, do you see yourself expanding into other markets, such as jewelry, fragrances, handbags or other accessories …. ?

Answer:
I would love to, but do believe you have to crawl before you can walk. Timing is everything. I have been offered an at-home bedding line deal and a shoe line. If I can incorporate that with my dresses I will. One thing at a time but I would love to have pieces that would go with my collection.

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Question:
Where do you see the future direction of fashion such as new trends, styles or fabrics ?

Answer:
Everything comes back in style over time. Right now it’s the beautiful colors as people are getting away from black and getting more into the jewel tones – kind of like vintage with a contemporary edge. A little edgy but in a lady-like way. Dresses are getting a little longer. Heather grey, oyster are getting more popular as colors. White is getting huge, it now can be worn year-round.

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Question:
As an authority on the latest beauty trends – what tips can you offer that busy woman who’s trying to balance a career and family life ?

Answer:
Drink lots of water, fiber shakes and try to eat healthy. Taking care of your skin. I have been blessed by good skin from my mother but I wasn’t a teenager who baked out in the sun so I’m grateful. Never going to bed without removing your make-up. I keep a little rose water in a little spritzer in my purse, so if I’m out I can enhance the make-up and gives it a little glow. Hydration is very important. Always changing up your shampoo and make-up every month or so because after a while, it doesn’t have the same effect. Try a little Vaseline on the eyelashes and also do an exfoliation once a week. I love going to health food stores and the little salon stores and talking to the personal to get their tips on what’s popular.

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Question:
What do you see yourself doing in the next phase of your life ?

Answer:
Working and continuing with my clothing line. Would love to get my shoe and handbag line going. I had my own store in L.A. for eight years so I understand the retail market. It would be fun to have my own in-home brand.

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Question:
Finally, how would you like to be remembered – what’s your ideal Kathy Hilton legacy ?

Answer:
That I was always a nice and sensitive person. Always been philanthropic and enjoyed helping other people. Someone who worked hard but I’m also silly and a prankster.

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We hope you enjoyed the Kathy Hilton interview. You can view the entire Kathy Hilton Collection at http://www.kathyhilton.com as well as find a nearby store that carries her clothing line.  Kathy Hilton would love to hear your feedback so follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/KathyHilton

Photo: Hermes Birkin

In fashion, Hermes is probably the most celebrated French brand in the world – known for its luxury Birkin handbag. The fashion house originated in Paris, France in 1880 and the goods that they make are especially popular with fashionable people who love products from distinguished brand names.

Without a doubt, the most popular item sold by Hermes is the range of Birkin handbags. The bags are such a huge success, that they are one of the few fashion world articles that do not decrease in value.

As a matter of fact, the cost of these handbags can retail far more than its original price. Of course, it also depends on the rarity of the bag’s style. Thus, purchasing any of the Birkin handbags is not just merely making a fashion statement but it is an investment too. This is because its price can significantly go up in the years to come.

The Birkin bags are handcrafted by highly skilled artisans and this is one of the reasons for the high price tag of all the bags that Hermes produced. Since this is made manually, one bag can take weeks to complete. The waiting time is all worth it as the finished item is really something that every lady will appreciate and adore.

Another factor that makes Hermes bags expensive are the materials used for assembling each piece. Only the highest quality leather can pass the standards of Hermes. All the materials give the bags that classic touch that is hard to imitate. Truly, with the bags’ superb quality, elegance, and unique beauty, it is no wonder that Hermes’ creations have always been synonymous to luxury and excellence.

The Ladies’ Love for Bags:

Hermes bags are loved and recognized for its class and fine craftsmanship. There is even a saying that if a man would like to impress his woman on her birthday or any other special occasions, the Hermes bags are just the perfect luxury gifts for women.

Likewise, women are known big spenders when it comes to fashion and trends. They are after branded items with a cut above quality and good functionality which are the main traits of Hermes Handbags. In the first place, Birkin bags were originally designed to accommodate the needs of women. Hermes succeeded in this goal so ladies around the world are really going after the bags even if buying them entails a hefty sum.

Hermes Birkin Bags – Extravagance and Fashion in One:

Women also want to own a Birkin bag because it is also seen as status symbol. Celebrities and other famous people often carry and collect Birkin style bag and they are so proud of it. The bags are available in many designs, colors, sizes, and shapes hence they can be collected and use for any occasions and functions.

The bags can be made to order to suit the preferences of the buyer. Some customers are very detailed that they would request specific embellishments like precious stones and even the type of stitching. The designs are always stylish and refined and they change with the times so that they will fit with the modern trends.

If there is a bag that can equal or even exceed the price of a vehicle or mortgage payment for a luxury home, it is Hermes Birkin. Indeed, it is one of most extravagant bags today.

If you would like to buy this bag for yourself or for your friend, make sure to choose a design and color that she likes best. If you are a man buying this bag as a special luxury gift for your woman, surprise her with the best Hermes Birkin bag that you can purchase.

Over-all, Birkin bags by Hermes are not just simple handbags – they are a world renowned fashion item that has been a status symbol for many decades already. You will be a proud owner too if you will buy one for yourself. If given as gifts, the receiver will surely be touched and won’t ever forget you.

If you are looking for that special gift or want to purchase a Hermes Birkin Handbag for yourself, please contact The Life of Luxury using the form below:

Jaquet Droz

Luxury watchmaker Jaquet Droz has introduced The Loving Butterfly, a distinctive, original watch in support of the 5th annual Only Watch event.

For almost three centuries, highly respected Jaquet Droz has set time under the banner of wonder, excellence, and constantly renewed creativity. A truly unique and masterful, luxury watch brand.

For many years, Jaquet Droz has been a partner of Only Watch which is a charity event that aids the fight against muscular dystrophy. The proceeds of the Only Watch event sale will benefit the Monaco Association against Muscular Dystrophy.

Jaquet Droz will offer The Loving Butterfly watch. This stunning luxurious looking watch is published as a single original and will ultimately be auctioned in Monaco on September 28, 2013.

The watch represents an historical design that was drawn by one of the legendary automata, produced by Pierre Jaquet Droz in the 18th century. The Swiss watchmaker resurrects the fascination of the Enlightenment period for architecture and botany, with a cherub riding in a carriage pulled by a butterfly.

The Loving Butterfly watch is an echo of the values defended by Jaquer Droz: the right to innocence, the power of the imagination as well as confidence in one’s own dreams. This design with its romantic and poetic naturalism decorates the face of the Petite Heure Minute.

Jaquet Droz craftsmen combined their best skills to create this unique piece. Engraved and then painted, the gold decor was first worked like a bas-relief before being applied to the Grand Feu enamel dial.

In addition, The Loving Butterfly has an exposed oscillating weight. The Only Watch name is engraved on the case back to remind the owner of the special charitable event, supporting the Muscular Dystrophy cause.

We applaud the unique philosophy of generosity by Jaquet Droz. The Swiss watch brand is already synonymous with virtuoso watchmaking, the event also embodies Jaquet Droz’s philanthropic values, its support for cutting edge medical research and continued trust in a bright and serene future.

If you are interested in purchasing a watch from the entire Jaquet Droz collection, please contact The Life of Luxury using the below form:

Photo: Glashütte Original

Glashütte Original just launched its latest women’s luxury watch collection named “Pavonina.”

Located in the German town of Glashütte, luxury watchmaker Glashütte Original has been producing the best in luxury timepieces for more than 165 years.

To celebrate the launch of Pavonina, Glashütte Original held an exclusive VIP event at the Waterfall Mansion in New York City. It was a fun, 1920’s theme party and everybody had a wonderful time.

The luxurious mansion is located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York city and was fully illuminated in royal purple, the chosen theme color of the evening’s event.

Greater than 200 VIP guests were in attendance people attended the launch party dedicated to the new luxury watch. Dieter Pachner who is the Global Vice President of Sales, welcomed party guests to an exclusive preview and the brands significance.

Each of the exhibition rooms in the mansion celebrated a different aspect of women. For example, one room presented a series of ten black and white portraits featuring prominent women of the 20th century, pioneers who brought changes for the roles and perception of women.

The Pavonina Collection from Glashütte Original took its creative inspiration from the decade of the 1920’s, back when women liberated themselves from the constraints of society during those times.

Glashütte Original is proud to be an authentic high-end luxury watch designer and represents for modern and ingenious, high-quality timepieces that are natural expression of Germany’s excellence in engineering and manufacturing.

If you’re interested in learning more about the new women’s luxury watch Pavonina collection from Glashütte Original, please contact The Life of Luxury using the below form:

Photo: Breguet

Last week on June 26, was the “Tourbillon Day” which celebrates the anniversary of the patent of the iconic tourbillon watch.

Back on June 26, 1801, Abraham-Louis Breguet patented the revolutionary tourbillon mechanism, which neutralized the effects of gravity. The result was amazing precision in future mechanical timepieces.

This incredible watchmaking invention was an engineering feat and truly recognizes Abraham-Louis Breguet as one of the most innovative figures of all time.

So to celebrate “Tourbillon Day, luxury watch brand Bruget held events its luxury boutiques in New York City, Las Vegas and Bal Harbour. Bruguet guests had the unique opportunity to view the luxury brand’s extensive collection of tourbillon timepieces, as well as take part in a champagne toast.

A tribute to honor the innovative work of Abraham-Louis Breguet has been created by titled, “Breguet, the innovator. Inventor of the Tourbillon.”

This incredible exhibition highlights the lasting legacy of the Abraham-Louis Breguet, plus the impact he made with the tourbillon in modern watchmaking. The exhibition started in Geneva, Switzerland back in January. It’s a worldwide tour throughout 2013. For the U.S. the following exhibition dates are scheduled:

· Breguet Boutique Rodeo Drive: Oct 3-19, 2013
· Tourbillon Boutique Chicago: Oct 24-29, 2013
· Breguet Boutique Fifth Avenue: Nov 7-17, 2013

During Baselworld 2013, Breguet launched its new, ultra-thin Tourbillon 5377 watch. The stunning timepiece features a slim case that measures only 7mm in thickness. The dial is in both 18K gold and silver. It also houses a movement that’s only 3mm thick! However, the most impressive component of the watch aside from the tourbillon is a periphery rotor which oscillates around the side of the case allowing the wearer an unobstructed view of the movement.

The new Tourbillon 5377 watch by Breguet will be available for sale in 2014.

If you have always desired to own a luxury watch, please contact The Life of Luxury by using the below form:

Photo: Pale Cloud

The British fashion label Pale Cloud is recognized as a luxurious children’s brand that combines both contemporary design with classic elements.

As its popularity increases, Pale Cloud has become the first choice of many royals and celebrities for dressing their daughters for those special occasions.

A recent example is Lady Louise Windsor, who is the granddaughter Queen Elizabeth II, wore the Aida Coat from pale Cloud to Trooping the Colour parade in London.

Hollywood celebs Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie dressed two of their lovely daughters in Pale Cloud for Angelina’s 38th birthday celebrations in Berlin. Their daughter Viviene wore the Charlize Jacket and Zahara wore the Audrey Dress.

Anja is the daughter of Victoria Secret Supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio, and she was wore a Pale Cloud Janice Dress at her recent school graduation in Los Angeles.

In addition, Princess Isabella of Denmark wore the beautiful Talia Dress to the 1st birthday party of her brother Prince Vincent and and sister Princess Josephine.

Pale Cloud will continue to gain media exposure as the children’s couture brand sees increased media exposure from their clothing line being worn by additional royals and celebrities.

Do you desire the latest luxury fashion? Let the experts at The Life of Luxury help you locate and purchase that ideal, fashion garment or accessory. We work with many of the top lxuury brands in the industry and often get incredible deals.

Sail to Sable is a stylish, women’s apparel line that was designed by Jennifer Stocker, who is the Associate Director of Creative Services at popular GQ Magazine. She was also the former Merchandising Manager for Lucky magazine.

The Sail to Sable collection was first introduced in 2012 and the inspiration behind the fashion brand was
Stocker’s early childhood when she grew up near the water in Darien, Connecticut.

It’s a perfect match of “chic meets prep.”  This beautiful clothing collection includes classic tunic dresses, light-weight cover ups, flirty party tunic dresses and fabulous maxi tunics.

With a love for warm weather, the Sail to Sable collection was inspired by stripes, salty water, coral, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, bright and bold fabrics. It just screams summer!

Jennifer Stocker combined her distinct fashionable yet classic style along with her industry background, to create a lifestyle brand that was stimulated by the elements that reminded her of all things summer.

The meaning behind naming her company Sail to Sable is a clever one. It represents the Easternmost (Sail Rock, Maine) and Southernmost (Cape Sable, Florida) towns on the Eastern Seaboard.

The entire Sail to Sable collection can be purchased at select boutiques around the U.S. and online ($188-$248 for adult tunics and $58 for children tunics).